What is Kundalini Yoga
Known for its transformative benefits, the practice of Kundalini Yoga builds physical strength and stamina and enhances cognitive function, emotional fitness, and spiritual connection. Many people describe the experience as exhilarating, euphoric, and powerful.
The practice in it’s modern form is influenced by Sikh Philosophy offering a non-dual practice for all of humankind.
In this practice, the primary focus is on the movement and transformation of energy. There is no one practice or series. Instead, the practice focuses on kriyas, which are each a specific sequence of yogic techniques and meditations to create a specific result in consciousness. This could be something very concrete (like better digestion) or something more etheric (like an open heart). Each kriya (which means “action” in Sanskrit) and comes with precise instructions and usually includes most of the following techniques:
Asana: body postures
Mudras: hand positions
Pranayama: breathwork
Mantras: intentional, repeated sounds
Bandhas: constriction of particular area of the body
Drishti: directing the gaze of the eyes
Shivasana: relaxation at the end of practice
Kundalini Yoga is known to assist change and self-limiting habits.
It is a transformational system designed to release blocks to the reservoirs of untapped energy within us.
It is designed to balance the glandular system and revitalize the nervous systems.
It works to build, clear, and balance the subtle systems of the nadis (energy channels) and the chakras.
It includes hydrotherapy and breathing practices and other established practices for optimal health and optimal functioning.
When energy moves freely through the chakras, it stimulates the mental, physical, and spiritual health of the being. There is a clarity that arises that combines perception, thought, and intuition.
A typical class is 60-90 minutes: and includes warm-up, kriya (an intentional set of sequenced yoga postures) meditation and relaxation.
Mantras
There are a couple of mantras chanted to open the space for practice
Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo (the Adi Mantra)
I bow to the Creative Wisdom, I bow to the Divine Teacher within.
Aad Guray Nameh
Jugaad Guray Nameh
Sat Guray Nameh
Siri Guroo Dayvay Nameh
I bow to the Primal Wisdom
I bow to the Wisdom of all the ages
I bow to the True Wisdom
I bow to the Great Invisible Wisdom
Sat Naam
Sat means truth. Naam means name. Together, Sat Naam essentially translates into something deeper: “I am truth,” or “Truth is my essence.”